Meet Emily Reynolds

Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Reynolds.

Hi Emily, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Three of our bandmates played together in another band for seven years and then formed our own group Espresso!, with the important addition of National Mandolin Champion Jordan Ramsey in 2010. All top-tier Front Range players, we’ve been playing our brand of caffeinated swing since then, including an eclectic mix of jazz, swing, Gypsy jazz, bossa nova. Everybody sings and everybody swings to this infectious music. Foremost for our fans are the powerful instrumental leads and vocals in French and English.

We’ve played every Sunday morning–weather permitting–for years at the outside patio of Spruce Confections, a delightful coffee shop in downtown Boulder. We also play a variety of weddings, parties and private events. Recent shows include concerts at the Longmont Museum Auditorium, the Avalon Ballroom, Boulder International Film Festival Opening Night Gala, Boulder Public Library Auditorium, and numerous clubs and restaurants.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s always a little tricky to set yourself apart and get gigs. With our weekly Spruce Confections sessions, however, a lot of people hear the band frequently and hire us for their wedding or private party. We have many devoted fans at this point and have heard our weekly gig described as “one of Boulder’s best-kept secrets.” What continues to be a struggle is that music is not well compensated: players still receive the same money they did 35 years ago. Some venues expect bands to play only for tips.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Espresso! plays fiery Gypsy Jazz and American Swing in & around Boulder, Colorado. It is upbeat, classy music. Gypsy jazz has captured the public’s imagination for decades. Beginning in Paris, 1945, the legendary Django Reinhardt is still regarded worldwide today as the greatest guitar player ever. His guitar virtuosity was matched by ‎Stéphane Grappelli’s on violin, and the pair formed The Hot Club of Paris. In Gypsy jazz tradition, many American swing tunes from the 40s & earlier became part of the repertoire.

Today, the Colorado-based band Espresso! Merges these same two musical traditions with red-hot interpretations of American swing and Gypsy jazz favorites. The traditions of the past come alive with powerful instrumental leads and vocals in French and English. Very danceable, this music is infectious. “You owe it to your ears.”

Espresso! Includes an abundance of Colorado talent: Bill Pontarelli (clarinet), Jordan Ramsey (mandolin), Emily Reynolds (rhythm guitar), and Duane Webster (bass). We have performed Jazz, Gypsy Jazz and American Swing for many years at venues in and around Boulder and Denver, Colorado. Jordan Ramsey came on board in 2010, greatly enriching the new group dynamic. All top-tier Front Range players, we have been putting it all together since then to create our saucy swing sound. We have played this music for years and are proud of keeping the tradition of American swing music and Gypsy jazz alive.

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
We love to play for dancers! Most of our gigs are outside or in a dance space. We have wonderful dancers who come out and support the band. It’s a joy to watch people moving to the music you’re creating.

Contact Info:

• Email: emily2reynolds@gmail.com
• Website: https://www.espressoswing.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EspressoCaffeinatedSwing

Image Credits
Mandy Espinoza Ani Espriella Dan Ault Benny Galloway